Coffee farm ‘brews’ livelihood, global opportunities for Agusan Norte farmers
By Nora L. Molde
The inspiring story of Nissen Coffee Farm in Sitio Calipayan, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, stands as proof that local enterprise, fueled by education, passion, and community empowerment can transform rural livelihood and bring Filipino coffee to the global market.
Founded in 2023 by Rojean E. Jensen, a passionate coffee advocate and entrepreneur with a strong educational background in business and agriculture, the 6.6-hectare Nissen Coffee Farm was built on a vision to produce world-class Filipino coffee while lifting up the quality of life in her hometown community.
By combining her expertise with the fertile lands of Agusan del Norte, Jensen turned a local dream into an international brand, introducing the rich flavors of Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa beans to the discerning palates of European coffee drinkers.
More than just a business venture, Nissen Coffee Farm has become a symbol of empowerment for the residents of Sitio Calipayan. Once limited to traditional farm labor, locals are now trained and employed as processors, roasters, and quality handlers, equipped with new skills and earning stable income. Through continuous training and mentorship, Jensen ensures that every stage of production, from planting to packaging, reflects both craftsmanship and community pride.
The farm’s expansion also led to the establishment of a micro coffee roastery in Rodekro, Denmark, where Nissen Coffee crafts freshly roasted beans sourced directly from its farm in Agusan del Norte and from partner producers in Benguet, Batangas, and other Asian regions. This direct-trade and sustainable model promotes transparency, while allowing European consumers to savor the authentic taste of Asian coffee.
In an online interview, Jensen shared that Nissen Coffee began with a small roastery in Denmark, driven by her mission to put Filipino coffee on the global map.
“We started with a micro roastery here in Denmark because I want to make Philippine coffee recognized in Europe,” Jensen said. “We recently received soft capital support from Denmark, which will help us expand our operations and strengthen our commitment to promote Philippine coffee and empower our local farmers.”
Beyond her own farm, Jensen also champions other local producers from Agusan del Norte, including the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association, Inc. (CAWFAI), a farmers’ cooperative in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. By showcasing these local brands in international markets, she hopes to build a stronger identity for Agusan del Norte as a prime source of high-quality, sustainably produced Philippine coffee.
Jensen’s entrepreneurial journey further flourished when she joined the Department of Trade and Industry’s Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, which enhanced her business expertise and strengthened her strategic and operational management. Her excellent-rated Business Improvement Plan (BIP) stands as a testament to her commitment to innovation, quality, and the advancement of Philippine coffee on the global stage.
Today, Nissen Coffee Farm continues to grow both in reach and purpose, bridging communities from Agusan del Norte to Europe, empowering farmers through sustainable livelihoods, and showcasing the exceptional quality of Filipino coffee to the world. For Jensen, every cup brewed tells a story of education, empowerment, and the enduring spirit of local excellence that connects Agusan del Norte to the global coffee map. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DTI Agusan del Norte)